Michele Campagnaro looks set for a significant spell out injured after suffering suspected knee ligament damage in last week’s defeat at Cardiff Blues.

The Italian centre – a firm favourite among Exeter Chiefs fans – limped off in the second half of Friday’s 21-20 defeat, and is undergoing tests to establish the severity of the injury.

However, Rob Baxter confirmed to Echo Sport that the signs are not promising for the 24-year-old.

“Campo’s knee was not great and he is looking at a potentially significant injury,” he said.

“He is having a few scans at the moment which will give us much more detail about where his knee is. It is potential ligament damage we are looking at the moment.

“There is a significant amount of swelling and at this stage you have to say the likelihood is that he is looking at a pretty serious injury.”

Mirano-born Campagnaro is one of a host of Chiefs players who are out injured at the moment.

He will join the likes of Luke Cowan-Dickie, Dave Ewers and Mitch Lees on the long-term injury list, while Ollie Devoto, Thomas Waldrom and Sam Hill will almost certainly miss Friday night’s trip to Gloucester for the Aviva Premiership season-opener.